Ep 20. Journey for Justice

Dateline season 29 episode 20, titled "Journey for Justice," explores the case of a man who was wrongfully accused and spent nearly 15 years in prison for a crime he did not commit. The episode takes viewers on a journey through the man's fight for exoneration and the investigative work that ultimately led to his release.

The story begins with the arrest of Mark Schand in 1986 for a murder in Springfield, Massachusetts. Despite having an alibi and no connection to the crime, Schand was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. For years, Schand maintained his innocence and worked tirelessly to appeal his conviction, but his efforts were repeatedly denied.

In 2007, attorney Lisa Kavanaugh took on Schand's case pro bono and began a new investigation into the murder. Through interviews with witnesses, reviewing police reports, and analyzing evidence, Kavanaugh found numerous inconsistencies and flaws in the case against Schand. She discovered that key witnesses had been coerced into testifying against him, and the police had withheld evidence that would have exonerated him.

Kavanaugh's investigation ultimately led to a hearing where Schand's conviction was overturned and he was released from prison. However, his fight for justice did not end there. Schand and Kavanaugh continued to work to clear his name and hold those responsible for his wrongful conviction accountable.

The episode also features interviews with Schand's family and friends who never wavered in their belief of his innocence, as well as with Kavanaugh and other professionals involved in the case. The emotional journey of Schand's fight for justice and the impact of his years of wrongful imprisonment on his life and relationships are explored in depth.

"Journey for Justice" is a powerful and compelling episode of Dateline that showcases the perseverance and dedication of those fighting for justice. It highlights the importance of continually questioning and scrutinizing our justice system and the consequences of wrongfully convicting innocent individuals.